Congress president slams BJP’s handling of IIOJK post Article 370 revocation
Srinagar,: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticized the BJP’s handling of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), saying that despite the saffron party’s claims that the abrogation of Article 370 would lead to peace and prosperity, the situation has only worsened in the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a press conference in Srinagar, Kharge challenged the BJP’s claims, stating, “They used to say that the removal of Article 370 would end violence and bring prosperity. So where is that prosperity?” He highlighted the worsening conditions in IIOJK, including rising unemployment, escalating prices, and ongoing violence, which he argued demonstrate the BJP’s failure to live up to its promises.
Kharge labeled the BJP’s pre-election assurances as “jumla,” a term meaning empty rhetoric. He criticized the party for not fulfilling any of the commitments made to the people of the territory.
He detailed several pressing issues affecting IIOJK since the BJP’s decision to revoke Article 370 in August 2019. Kharge pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir has been downgraded to a Union Territory with diminished democratic representation, noting the absence of a Legislative Council, Panchayats, and Municipalities. “The people here have been stripped of their rights and kept away from democratic processes,” he said.
Kharge also addressed the upcoming Assembly elections in IIOJK, attributing the scheduling of these polls to a Supreme Court directive requiring elections by September 30. He reaffirmed the Congress party’s commitment, along with other secular forces, to work towards restoring peace and addressing the issues faced by the people in the territory.
